Bellamy Brothers and Gene Watson create unique revival of “Forever Ain’t Long Enough”
Unique music video remembers classic country artists
What could be better than a video that pays tribute to the iconic acts of traditional country music? How about a video that pays tribute to the iconic acts of traditional country music… with a classic song performed BY two iconic acts?
In 1990, The Bellamy Brothers released their 14th studio album, Reality Check (MCA/Curb). Track seven on the project was titled “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” penned by David Bellamy. Although it was not released as a single (the sole single from the album was the hit song “I Could Be Persuaded”) “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” became a fan favorite when the Brothers played it at their live gigs.
Now, thirty-four years after the song’s initial release, a new version of “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” is energizing traditional country fans all over again… with a unique addition. This time around, lead vocals are handled by Gene Watson.
Singer-songwriter Watson, 80, is a country icon in his own right (“Love In The Hot Afternoon” ’75; “Farewell Party ’79; “Fourteen Carat Mind” ’81) with a 62 year career that continues to this day, including his 2022 induction into the Grand Ole Opry.
“Having Gene duet with us on the song was a dream come true,” said David. “He’s one of the few real classic country singers that understands songs like this.” Thinking back to the origin of the song in 1990, David added, “I wrote the song in the style of real classic country. I wanted it to sound like something that came from the Countrypolitan era, and of course, everlasting love is a favorite subject of every songwriter.”
Watson noted that he “was flattered” to be tapped for the new rendition and adds that he appreciates how it feels like “real country music.”
The Bellamys and Watson got together earlier this year at Rory Feek’s Homestead Hall in Columbia, Tennessee, to perform the new version of their song for a music video directed by Chris Davis. The video was premiered at people.com. In addition to seeing Watson and the Brothers performing the song, viewers of the video get to see a uniquely-curated photo gallery depicting many of the country artists revered by fans of traditional country. Watch the video here.
David told People that they wanted the video look as classic as it sounds, adding, ““It was great spending the day with Gene and his friends, and Rory even gave us a tour of the whole farm.”
Now in their seventies, brothers David and Howard Bellamy still book around 200 tour dates every year, performing fan favorites that include their early hits “Let Your Love Flow” and “If I Said You Have a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me” in addition to songs from their lengthy catalog. Check out upcoming show dates here. The Bellamy Brothers will be headlining The Country Music Cruise – Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya – January 19-26, 2025. Joining the Bellamys on the Cruise: John Michael Montgomery, Deana Carter, Diamond Rio, and more. More cruise details and ticket info here.
Bellamy Brothers Tour Dates
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About Preshias Harris
JournalistPreshias Harris is a music journalist who has interviewed everyone from Alabama to ZZ Top for articles and stories published in numerous music magazines. She is the author of longest-running monthly country music column in America and authored The College of Songology™ 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s ‘Need To Know’ Reference Handbook. As a music career development consultant with special emphasis on emerging and aspiring artists and songwriters, she focuses on ‘chasing the dream’ while understanding the realities of the music industry. She maintains a writers’ room on Music Row – named The Sangtuary – for her clients and their co-writers. She is a member of ASCAP (as a publisher), BMI, The Country Music Association (CMA), The Recording Academy, The National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) and a life member of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
You can find out more about Preshias at https://www.collegeofsongology.com and find her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
